Bali, Then & Now (From Bali With Love)

Long ago I found this website and it's been safely hidden away in my bookmarks until I recently discovered it again. It has some amazing old photographs of Bali. For those of you who are familiar with Bali, you will be stunned, but in case you aren't familiar with Bali, I've located a few recent photos for comparison.

Earliest Map of Bali, 1618

Cock Fighting, Legian Markets, 1977

Jalan Legian, 1972

Jalan Legian Today...from Here.

Jalan Legian Today...from Here.

Jalan Legian Today...from Here.

SolidDev Band @ Jalan Legian Today...taken from Here.  

Jalan Legian Today...taken from Here.

Jalan Legian Today...taken from Here.

Jalan Legian is pretty quiet early in the day but at night, it's the one stop, bar hopping street that draws many tourist and locals alike.

Kuta Square Construction, 1993

Kuta Square Today...taken from Here.

Kuta Square is great for shopping. There are both local and western restaurants around this area, as well as an eyeglass store, shall you need to buy glasses or contacts :) And just a quick walk over to Kuta Beach, lands you your own front row spot to watch the sunset.

Poppies Lane 2, 1986

Poppies Lane Today...taken from Here.

Poppies Lane Today...taken from Here.

Poppies Lane Today...taken from Here.

Poppies Lane Today...taken from Here.

Poppies Lane Today...taken from Here.

Both Poppies Lane 1 and 2 are very narrow street ways now, with barely enough room for one car to travel down. It is definitely a ride you have to experience yourself with dozens or more bikes and cars trying to take these roads at the same time, all while trying not to run over the one hundred people walking around. Exaggeration...not really! :)

Be sure to check out the entire collection of Bali past images, taken from HERE.

Fruits of Indonesia (From Bali With Love)

Indonesia has many different types and varieties of fruit. I was familiar with most of them when I moved here, but there were a few that were new to me! Fruits can be found in all Indonesian markets, growing in most people's gardens and used daily in Balinese ceremonies.

Taken from HERE.

Here are SOME of the many fruits Indonesia has to offer (English/Bahasa Indonesia translation):

Taken from HERE.

Appel - Apel

Avocado - Advocat

Banana - Pisang

Coconut - Kelapa
Duku - Duku
Durian - Durian
Guava - Jambu batu
Jackfruit - Nangka / Gudeg
Lime (Kaffir Lime) - Jeruk Obat / Jeruk Limau
Lime - Jeruk Nipis
Longan - Kelengkeng
Lychee - Leci
Mango - Mangga
Mangosteen - Manggis
Orange - Jeruk Manis
Papaya - Pepaya
Pineapple - Nanas
Pomelo - Jeruk Bali
Rambutan - Rambutan
Snake Fruit - Salak
Star Fruit - Belimbing
Soursop - Sirsak
Water apple - Jambu air
Watermelon - Semangka

Remember, this is only SOME of them...there are so many wonderful fruits here!

Taken from HERE.

Did you know, Indonesia has NUMEROUS varieties of banana? At least 42 different varieties have been named, but research indicates that there could be well over 300 different varieties of bananas, stretching out across the archipelago...AMAZING, right? I mean, in America, when I go to the store to buy bananas, there they are...BANANAS...only one type...but you can pick still young (green) or already ripe (yellow)....but that's that. BANANAS! :) I always get tickled when I go to the market in Bali to buy bananas! The women working always ask me what I'm using the bananas for and then direct me to the ones that are best chosen for my usage! :) Some are better for your health, some are better for babies, some are better for desserts, etc etc...you get the idea.

Taken from HERE.

What are your favorites? I love them all!  

Ayana ROCK Bar (From Bali With Love)

So I've showed you Ayana's Resort, Spa and Restaurants......Now, I saved the best (and my favorite) for last...The Ayana ROCK BAR, literally, a bar on the ROCKS! Ayana opened the award winning Rock Bar in 2009. 

The bar is nestled along with cliffs, 46 feet (14 meters) above the Indian Ocean with a 360-degree view. There is also an outdoor, inclined elevator that takes you down to the Rock Bar. 

The bar was designed by Yasushiro Koichi from Japan's Design Studio SPIN. 

You can enjoy drinks with friends or have a romantic evening while listening to a LIVE band on the weekends and a DJ on weekdays.

(Click on images to be taken to their source)

What to see more of Ayana Rock Bar? Just go HERE and Enjoy!

Visit Ayana's website and see all of the GORGEOUSNESS for yourself!

Ayana Resort & Spa - Restaurants & Bars

So, I showed you the wonderful Ayana Resort & Spa HERE.

And I showed you their wonderful spa facilities HERE.

Do you still want some more of Ayana's wonderfulness today?

Ok, ok. Let's look at the MANY restaurants and bars they have to offer.

Padi

Pan Asian Cuisine

Comprising four open-air, thatch-roofed pavilions, this Bali restaurant features an open Asian heritage-style kitchen where guests can watch the native Indonesian, Indian and Thai chefs working alongside each other with fiery flair and fast-paced action, to prepare favorite dishes from their respective home countries. Surrounded by terraced lotus ponds reminiscent of rice fields, Padi is also where AYANA’s buffet breakfast is served each morning, with separate food stations offering European, American, Thai, Japanese, Chinese and Indonesian specialties.

Sami Sami

Italian Cusisine

Serving trattoria-style Italian cuisine, this stylish open-air Bali restaurant is located on a bluff overlooking the Indian Ocean, offering brilliant views any time of day and at sunset. The rustic Italian cuisine includes a complete selection of antipasti, sandwiches, wood-fired pizzas, fresh pastas, seafood, meat and desserts.

Kisik Bar & Grill

Seafood

Bali seafood restaurants don't get any better. Take the inclinator down the cliff-face and choose your favorite seafood from our ice-cold display, fresh from the boats! Kisik's team of chefs will cook it to perfection and serve it with a delicious array of accompaniments. An organic salad bar is also available. The dining tables are situated on the sand, surrounded by glowing tiki torches and the iridescent Ocean Beach Pool.

Dava

Modern International

This ultra-chic Bali bar and restaurant serves an innovative array of modern international cuisine with stunning Indian Ocean views. A floating garden leads you into a world of refined elegance, with two sleek air-conditioned dining rooms, an outdoor terrace, and the Martini Bar for pre- or post-dinner refreshments.

Honzen

Japanese

Honzen serves spectacular Japanese cuisine in a contemporary setting with Sushi & Sashimi Bar, Teppanyaki, Japanese Barbecue and Grill, and private Tatami rooms. Honzen offers a broad range of a la carte items in an ultra-stylish two-storey venue with indoor and outdoor seating, overlooking lush gardens and beautiful vistas.

Langit Theatre

This is an authentic Bali restaurant with an open-air terrace accompanied by traditional dance performances. Enjoy an elaborate buffet of Balinese cuisine under a star-lit sky, as beautiful Balinese dancers and singers depict legendary stories from the Island of the Gods.

The Rock Bar

Bar

Located on natural rocks 14 meters above the Indian Ocean at the base of AYANA's towering cliffs, this innovative open-top bar is Bali's most glam sunset and after-dark destination. Soak up the chic ambience and superstar views as the rhythm of the spot-lit ocean merges with the funky tunes vibing from the DJ booth carved into the cliff-face. Please note the Rock Bar has a dress code. To find out more, visit the Rock Bar.

Damar Terrace

Indonesian/Bar

Surrounded by terraced lily ponds,this vibrant Bali bar serves beverages and Asian favorites throughout the day. Its offerings include afternoon tea, snacks, sunset cocktails, evening cigars and after-dinner drinks in an exotic open-air courtyard terrace, lounge, cigar bar and relaxation pavilion. A live quartet performs every evening.

C-Bar

Outdoor Bar

This trendy outdoor Bali bar and lounge features opium beds where you can enjoy modern international cuisine prepared by the chefs at Dava Restaurant. Alternatively, take a seat on stylish bar stools for a selection of magical cocktails, as you enjoy the tropical sunset.

The Martini Club

Bar

Spectacular as a sunset or after-dinner venue, this modern Bali bar serves perfectly shaken Martinis and fashionable cocktails. The superb menu of over 50 classic and contemporary Martini selections and sublime drinks are served either in the contemporary glamour of an intimate club atmosphere or at the open-air terrace tables.

Kubu

Beach Bar/Picnic

The best Bali restaurants invite you to come as you are. There’s no need to interrupt your bathing, swimming and general relaxation at our private beach. If you need a snack or refreshment, simply order from one of our beach attendants and enjoy it right on the sand at your sun bed, or on a chaise lounges under shaded bamboo cabanas. For an added treat, order a picnic hamper lunch. There are 184 steps down to Kubu Beach.

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cafe

The café on the Cliff Villa poolside deck provides refreshing beverages and a day-long menu of snacks and light meals.

Spa Cafe

Cafe

Conveniently located within the Spa Complex, the healthy Bali restaurant enables you to stroll over between spa treatments and enjoy light spa cuisine while still leisurely attired in your kimono and slippers. The menu includes homemade fruit and vegetable juices, irresistible smoothies, coffee, teas, herbal and aromatic infusions and a variety of low calorie meals including organic salad, soups, sandwiches, low fat yogurt, fruit salad and dips.

See more at Ayana Resort and Spa here. 

All information, pictures and descriptions taken from the wonderful Ayana site! Click on over to their site and enjoy the beautiful images they have there. If you have an interest, book a room and be pampered at one of their lovely spas.

ENJOY!

Siomay (From Bali With Love)

I'm such a foodie. I love food. I love to eat food. I love to look at all the beautiful colors of food and I love to photograph food, though I'm not a professional. Sushi is always so beautiful to me, with it's many textures and color. Es Buah is another dish that is great to photograph. You can see my Indonesian food photos HERE.

So, today I want to share with you the recipe link for Siomay, from one of my favorite cooking sites, Indonesia Eats. Siomay is a traditional Chinese/Indonesian dish that consists of steamed dumplings in a peanut, chili sauce. I actually ate this just this week. You can find it here in Bali at various street food vendors and warungs or restaurants. It is delicious!

Check out the recipe for Siomay HERE.

If you aren't familiar with Pepy's site, Indonesia Eats, you should really check out her posts. She isn't only an amazing blogger and cook, but also a beautiful photographer!

Enjoy!

Exotic Fruits (From Bali With Love)

Just found THIS awesome post and beautiful pictures on the "Top Ten Must-Try Exotic Fruits".

1. Rambutan - Native to Malay Archipelago, Southeast Asia
Coming from an evergreen tree, Rambutan fruit resembles the Lychees, have a leathery red skin and are covered with spines. Rambutan is a popular garden fruit tree and one of the most famous in Southeast Asia. The fruit is sweet and juicy, being commonly found in jams or available canned.

2. Jackfruit - Native to southwestern India, Bangladesh, Philippines and Sri Lanka
Jackfruit is a common fruit for Asia and Australia and considered as one of the largest tree borne fruit in the world. The juicy pulp around the seeds have a taste similar to pineapple, but milder. Apart from canned jackfruit, it's available as sweet chips. The wood of the tree is used for making various musical instruments, while the fruit is a common ingredient for many Asian dishes.

3. Passion Fruit - Native to South America, grown in India, New Zealand, Brazil, etc
The passion fruit has a soft, juicy interior full of seeds, being commonly found in juices to boost their flavors. There are two types of passion fruit: the golden one (maracuyá), similar to a grapefruit and the dark purple passion fruit (gulupa), comparable in terms of size with a lemon. However, latter ones have been reported as being mildly poisonous.

4. Lychee - Native to southern China, found in India, Taiwan
Coming from an evergreen tree, the lychee or litchi are small white flesh fruits, covered in a red rind, rich in vitamin C and with a grape-like texture. The fruit has started making its appearance in markets worldwide, refrigerated or canned with its taste intact.

5. Star fruit - Native to Indonesia, India and Sri Lanka
The star fruit comes from the carambola, a species of tree with pink flowers grown even in the US. The golden-yellow fruit is crunchy, sweet, with a taste of pineapples, apples and kiwis combined. There are two kinds of star fruits – acidulate and sweet, both rich in vitamin C. The fruit is particularly juice, some even making wine out of it.

6. Mangosteen - Native to the Sunda Islands and the Moluccas
The mangosteen is another evergreen tree that produces oddly shaped fruits. The fruits are purple, creamy, described as citrus with a hint of peach. It is rich in antioxidants, some scientists even suggesting it can lower risk against certain human diseases, such as cancer. There are even legends about Queen Victoria offering a reward to the one that brings her the fruit.

7. Kumquat - Native to China
The kumquats or cumquats are small edible fruits resembling oranges that grow in a tree related to the Citrus. As with most of the fruits in the Citrus family, the kumquats are eaten raw. They are often used in marmalade and jelly but also in alcoholic drinks such as liquor. The Taiwanese add it to their teas, while others boil it and use it as a remedy for sore throats.

8. Durian - Native to Brunei, Malaysia and Indonesia
Also known as the “King of Fruits,” Durian has a very particular odor, a unique taste and is covered by a hard husk. Having a disagreeable smell, compared to skunk spray or sewage, the fruit is forbidden in hotels and public transportations in Southeast Asia. Still, the whole experience is worth it, considering the absolutely divine taste of the Durian.

9. Dragon Fruit - Native to Mexico and Central and South America
Dragon fruit, strawberry pear or pitaya is a fruit of several cactus species with a sweet delicate taste and creamy pulp. The most common dragon fruit is the red pitaya, but other varieties include the Costa Rica pataya and the yellow pataya. Juice or wine can be obtained from the fruit, while the flowers can be eaten or used for tea.

10. African cucumber - Native to Kalahari Desert, Africa
The African cucumber, horned melon or melano is a fruit that can be best described as melon with horns. It originated in the Kalahari Desert and is now present in California and New Zealand. The dark green pulp reminds one of bananas, limes, passion fruit and cucumber. It is often used for decorating food but also in smoothies and sundaes.

All information and images taken from HERE.

I've seen all of these fruits here in Indonesia, except for the Kumquat and African Cucumber. That's not to say that these fruits aren't here, I just haven't seen them. Funny note to add for number 5, the star fruit: many people in Indonesia use this fruit to clean out their fingernails. I'm serious! And it works! Just pick one piece of star fruit straight from the tree, poke your fingernail slightly into the flesh of the fruit's skin and brush it side to side. All dirt will be removed from your nails, leaving them clean and sparkling! :)